Governing mechanism for despatch systems



J. G. MACLAREN. GOVERNING MECHANISM FOR DESPATCH SYSTEMS.

1,35431 16 APPLICA'IQ'ION FILED MAR. 4. 191B. Patentedseptl 28,

2 SHEETS SHEET l.

James (5. Maria re n J. G. MACLAREN.

GOVERNING MECHANISM FOR DESPATCH SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 4, 1918.

PatentedSept. 28, 19%.

2 SHEETS*SHEET 2.

Inventor.- Jaz/nes Gilaeren,

UNITED STATES PATENT UFFHCE.

JAMES G. MACLAREN, OF MAMARONECK, Y-JRK.

GOVERNING MECHANISM Application filed March 4,

T 0 (:ZZ whom it may concern Be it known that I, JAMES G. MAOLAREN, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Mamaroneck, Ivestchester county, State of New York, have invented an Improvement in Governing Mechanism for Despatch Systems, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like characters on the drawings representing like parts.

This invention relates to means for governing an electrically operatedor electri cally controlled mechanism in conjunction with the movement of traveling members along given routes. As an example of the type of system with which it may be utilized, I have here chosen for illustration a pneumatic despatcli system wherein carriers are despatched through transit tubes under pneumatic pressure. Such systems are well known, one major field of use being the transmission of change and'memoranda in stores and the like.

My invention is adapted for the government of various mechanisms which it might be desired to operate in conjunction with sucha system. For purposes of illustra tion I have shown an installation wherein t 1e mechanism governed is an electric motor driving an exhauster which provides suitable sub-atmospl eric pressure in the transit tubes to move the carriers therethrough.

. My invention will best be understood by reference to the following description of a single illustrative embodiment thereof shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure is a general and partly diagrammatic view of the installation and constitutes a wiring diagram;

Figs. 2 and 3 are sections on the lines 2-2 and 3-3 of l; and

i is a sectional View showing a type of switch used in conjunction with the transit tubes.

Referring to 1 of the drawings, I have there shown my invention as applied to a pneumatic system operated by sub-atmostwo double tube vacuum lines, a long line containing a despatch tube 7 leading from the main terminal station at the left hand side of the figure to the branch station at the upper right hand side and a return tube 9.

non nnsrnron SYSTEMS.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Sept, 28 1920,

1918. Serial No. 220,123.

I also have illustrated a shorter line including a despatch tube 11 and a return tube 13. Operating pressure'is provided in these tubes by means of an exhauster 15 driven by an electric motor 17 which draws air from drum 19 connected by pipes 21 with the tubes. Inthe present embodiment of my invention thedriving action of the electric motor 17 is governed in correlation with the movement of carriers in the tube lines.

For setting the governing mechanism in operation when a carrier is despatched, I may provide suitable switches or circuit makers at the intake ends of the tubes and while they might be of any suitable kind, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention these switches are automatic and adapted to be operated by the carrier when it is introduced. In Fig. 1 the position of these switches is indicated by the casings 23, 25, 27 and 29 in conjunction with the tubes 7, 9, 11 and 13, respectively. In Fig. 4 I have shown one suitable construction for such a switch As there shown, it embodies a switch lever 31 pivoted on a shaft 33 and to which is attached spring 35 normally tending to hold the switch open, free from contact 36 and with the end thereof projecting into the transit tube. The passage of the carrier by the switch will rock the lever againstthe force of the. spring and close the same on contact 86.

I preferably utilize similar switches in the casings 37, 39, ell and 43 at or at a suitable distance from the delivery ends of the transit tubes. v

The operation of the motor'17 is governed by suitable mechanism here illustrated on panel board l5 shown at the lower right hand part of Fig. 1. An understanding of the operation of the particular installation here shown as an example of my invention.

will be facilitated by a preliminary descrip tion of the specific mechanisms illustrated. I will therefore next describe such of these mechanisms as are utilized in governing the longer transit line including the tubes 7 and 9. pheric pressure or vacuum and have shown The motor circuit may be opened and closed by means of a suitable, electricallyoperated switch (lower left hand part of panel board), the switch lever herein forming the armature of a magnet 49. The construction of this switch will be best 'understoodfrom Fig. 2. When the magnet 49 is energized, attracting the armature, the spring-pressed plunger 51w1llengage contact 53 and connect the same through the armature with binding post '55 through q laminated copper strips57. '1lieswitchlehand corner of the board e5) which 1101 Fig. 3, but it should be noted that that ure does not represent the solenoid 7 7. The

ver or armature 17 is herein also provided wltha downwardly extending arm 59 wh 1ch carries (see Fig. l) a bridge rod 61 which,

when the armature is attracted, connects the springcontact leaves 63 and 65, and a similar bridge rod 67 to connect leaves 69 and 71. In the present form of the invention the current is supplied to themotor while the switch- 17 is closed and therefore there is here provided a holdingcircuit therci'or I which might aptly be called'a controlling circuit, since the continued action of the motor is dependent thereon. This hoiding circuit may include a circuit closer in the form of a bridge 73 (see the upper rr mally connects contacts 7 5 and 76. Herein this circuit closer is lifted to break the circuit and I'may provide for this purpose a- "soleno1d 77 to the core 179 oi which the brid e 73 may be connected by means of rod 81 carrying the bridge and secured to a'transverse arm- 83 connected at the top of the core. These parts 81 and 83 are similar to the parts 161 and 165 shown in solenoid 77 is operated by suitable means Wl'llCll hereln includes a t1med mechanism such as solenold 85 the core of which in its upwardtravel operates against a dash pot 87 but which'can descend freely. Connect- 7 ed to the core of this solenoid by an arm.

89 and rod 91, similar again to the arm androd 161 and 165 of Fig. 3, 1s a bridge 93 adapted when the solenoid or like timed device acts to connect contacts95 and 97.

- I shall next describe the circuits by which the motor 1s governed in connection with I the despatch of carriers through the tubes 7 and 9 by means of the installation here illustrated, disregarding the many variations that might'be made therein within the scope of my invention and reserving for the claims the broader statement oi the essential'principles underlying the same. o may assume that a carrier is introduced in tube 9at the outer end thereof, at theuppcr right hand corner of the sheet in F 1.'

The carrier will engage the switch casing 25, momentarily closing the same and will thereby energize magnet coil 49 and close the maincontrolling switch by, means oflthe following circuit :'positive line 99, wire 101, post 55, wire 103, post 105, wire 107, magnet coil 4:9,wire 10.9,the coil of a solenoid 111 hereinafter to be more fully referred to, wire 113, the switch at25 wires 115 and 117', back to theintermediate line passed it, I provide a suitable holding suitable resistance asshown, leaf contact 5 '39, and by a timed circuit closer, the bridge 93 which completes the,

' 119. The armature 4:7 will thus be attracted, completing the motor circuit as follows :pos1t1ve line 99, wire 101, post 55, armature 17, plunger 51, contact 53, wire 121, to the motor 17, thence by wire 123, to

negative line 125.,:Since the switch 2: will immediately open when the carrier ha,

circuitv for the magnet coil 49, which circuit starts from positive line 99, follows vi 101, post 55, wire103, post .105, 1 magnet coil 49, wire 127 which may includ bridge rod 61, leaf contact 65, wire 129, contact76,bridge 'orcircuit closer 73, contact '75, wires 131 and 133 to intermediate line 119. This holding circuit wiil remain, continuing the cnergization oi the motor until broken'by the lifting of the maker 7 3' from contacts and 73' The breaking of this holding or controlling circuit is in the present instance etfected by energization of the solenoid 77. Herein the circuit for this solenoid is controlled jointly by the switch adjacent the switch herein circuit between 95 and 97. The operation of the timed moving means for this bridge, herein solenoid 85, may be controlled by the switch 47 already described. For example, the cirdelivery end of the tube, such as the Vcuitmay be as follows :positive line 99,

wire 101, post 55, wire 103, post 105, contact 69, bridgerod 67 and contact 71, thence by wire'135 through the coil of solenoid 85, wire 137, to contact 139, bridge 1411, contact 143, and wire 133 to the intermediate line 119; It will be apparent from tracing the above circuit that after a carrier is introduced into atransit tube and the armature (1-7 is "closed, the solenoid ill be energized and its core will commence to rise slowly against the dash pot 87 and, after a predetermined time suilicient to permit the carrier to complete the major portion of its journey, the bridge 93 will connect contacts 'cuit, thus causing the motor to stop.

We may suppose that after a carrierhas been dcspatchedinthis manner and is partway through the tube, it is desired to send another. It w ll be apparent that t the tar were stopped bythe discharge of the first carrier,'as described, that the second might be stalled in the tube provided it were so far behind the first that the momening circuit for magnet 49. This may be of iected in any suitable manner on the despatch of the carrier, but in the present in stance l have illustrated suitable relay means whereby it is effected mediately rather than directly by the movement of the switch'lever at the intake end of the tube. Herein this relay takes the form of the solenoid. 111 already referred to, the lifting of the core of which will act to raise bridge contact 141 from contacts 139 and 143. lVhen the carrier is despatched, as for example at the intake end of tube 9, and the switch there is closed a circuit is completed which has already been traced. Beside energizing the coil of magnet 49, this circuit also energizes the coil of solenoid 111, thus lifting bridge 141. This bridge forms a part of the circuit for the coil 85 of the timing device. Thus, when each carries is despatched this circuit is momentarily interrupted, the coil 85 is deenergized, its core drops freely in the dash pot and the timing device is reset; Thus, if two carriers are in the tube, although the first is discharged and closes the switch at 39, the stopping coil 77 will not be operated to interrupt thev holding circuit by lifting of bridge 73, since the energizing circuit for the coil '77 will be open at 95 and 97 After the second carrier has completed the major portion of its journey, however, the reset timing device will have acted to close this break by means of the bridge 93,but the coil 77 will not'act since the switch 39 has resumed its open position on the discharge of the first carrier. Operation of the motor will therefore continue until the second carrier has thrown this switch completing the energizing circuit of the coil 77, which will lift brir go 73, break the controlling circuit, d energizing magnet 49, allowing armature to fall open in the position shown in Fig. and thus to interrupt the motorcircuit.

1 shall next describe the operation of the particular governing means here illustrated for controlling the passage of the carrier through the shorter line embodying tubes 11 and 13, disregarding as before the many variations that can be made therein within the scope of my inventionand reserving the broader definition thereof for the claims. 1 shall also, in the beginning, disregard the longer tubes 7 and 9 in describing them 1 have hitherto disregarded the shorter tubes lland 13. It will be understood that while I have herein illustrated two lines of tubes and the mechanism adapted for use with the two in combination, that the means herein described for each set might be used alone to govern a single line.

In controlling the shorter line embodying the tubes 11 and 13, I make use of the mechanism shown in detail in Fig. 3 and comprising a solenoid 145 the core of which works in its upward course against dash pot 147 but which may fall freely. The dash pot, however, differs in its construction from the dash pot 87 in that the first portion of the upward travel of the core of solenoid 145 is notrestricted thereby. For this purpose a relief valve 149 may be provided which, when the solenoid core is depressed, will be held open against the force of spring 151 by the piston of the dash pot resting thereagainst. lVhen the coil 145 is energized, therefore, the core lifts quickly for a short distance and then commences its timed journey against the resistance of the dash pot in the usual manner, sincethe first portion of its lift will have permitted spring 151 to seat the Valve 149.

Controlled by the solenoid 145 is a bridge 153 pressed by a spring 155 which tends to seat the same (see Fig. 1) on contacts 157 and 159. The bridge 158 is depressed against the action of thespring and held free of the contacts by means of a rod 161 connected by arm 165 to the solenoid core. Thus, when the solenoid is de'e'nergizcd and the core drops to its lowest position as permitted by the action of the dash pot, the rod 161 will bear against bridge 153, and compressing spring 155, move the of contacts 157 and 159. hen the solenoid is energized, however, the rapid initial rise thereof permitted by relief valve 149 will permit the spring immediately to seat the bridge 153 on the two contacts.

After the seating of the bridge as described, if the solenoid continues to be energized the core will rise slowly in the usual manner, the whole constituting a timed device. In the present embodiment of the invention this mechanism acts mechanically to open the circuit closer 73 and for this 3111- ose the mechanism shown in Fig. 3 is placed directly under the solenoid 77 and its attendant mechanism as shown in Fig. 1, so that at the end of its travel the upper end of rod 161 will lift the bridge 73 free of contacts 7 5 and 76, thus breaking the controlling circuit which holds armature switch lever 47 closed and thus supplying current to the motor 17.

If a carrier is introduced, for example, at the terminal stat-ion end of tube 1i des patch to the branch station, the switch 27 will cause energization of the magnet 49 and the solenoid 111 as already describe-cl with reference to switch 25. It will he noted that Wires from the switch 27 connect with the wires 113 and 117 referred to in the description of that circuit. Similarly, the holding circuit for the magnet coil 49 will be completed as before. However, this circuit is not controlled through the timing mechanism 85 as described for the. long tube, but the motor continues in operation until the arrier passes the switch 41 which may be at the extreme end of the line as shown or at a suitable distance therefrom. When this switch is closed a circuit is completed as follows :positive line 99, wireflOl, post 55, wire 103, contact 69, bridge 67, contact 71, wire 135, wire 167, coil of solenoid 145, wire 169, contact 159, wire 171, switch at 41, wire 173, and return wire 117 to intermediate line the timingdevice formed by 119. In this energization of the solenoid, the core thereof will quickly rise as permitted by the relief valve 149' (see Fig. 3). The bridge 153 will snap into place under influence of the spring 155 joining contacts 157 and 159 and closing a holding circuit continuing the energization oi the core of this solenoid even after reopening of the switch at 41. This circuit is the same as the initial energizing circuit from the positive line through the coil 145 and to contact 159,

but from there over bridge 158, to contact 157, wires 175 and 137, contact 139, bridge 141, contact 148 and wire 1133 to the intermerier, a timed moving device for said second diate line 119. V 1

. The operation is as follows :After a carrier is discharged. from the tube the operation of the motorwill continue for a definite time controlled by a suitable timing device herein exemplified by the solenoid 1 5 and dash pot 147. When the predetermined time has elapsed the core of this solenoid approaching the upper limit of its travel will engage the circuit closing bridge 73,-lifting the same from contacts and 76 and interrupting the holding circuit of magnet 49. If a second carrier is despatched after the first but prior to the initiation of the operation of the timing device, the continued op eration of the motor effected by the same after the discharge of the first carrier will be sufiicient to insure discharge of the second. If the second carrier is introduced after the action of the timing 'device'the operation of solenoid 111 will break the holding circuit of the solenoid 145. since the latter includes the bridge 141, and the time ing device will thus be reset.

1 If both lines of tubes as here shown are operated in conjunction and a carrier-is passing through the shorter tube and another carrier is then introduced through the longer tube, the solenoid 111, momentarily lifting bridge 141 as described, will release the solenoid 145 and its dash pot and the carrier in the long line takes control and the operation is as already described for that line,irrespec- 'tive of the shorter line. Thus, there is no danger of the carrier being stalled in the longer line by the premature operation of the controlling mechanism designed for the shorter line. I

In manyinstances in this document reference is made to theclosing of a circuit, to the energization' of a mechanism and the like. This has beenidone for clearness and definiteness of description. Obviously in various instances the same effect might be produced by the'opcning of a circuit or the de'e'nergization of a mechanism by changes within the skill of an electrician without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having thus described the particular mechanism and the particular wiring there of. herein shown for the purpose of illustrating aspecific embodiment of my invention, the principles exemplified thereby which I consider new and desire to, secure by Letters Patent I shall express in the followingclaims:- I

1. Means for governing an electric mechanism in conjunction. with the despatch of carriers through a] transit tube or the like comprisinga circuit closer controlling the 'energization of the mechanism, electric moving means therefor, a circuit for'said means ncluding a circuit closer and a switch arranged to close on the delivery of a carmentioned circuit closer and means to initiate operation of the same on each despatch otfa carrier. i I

2. Means vfor governing an electric mechanism in conjunction with the despatch of carriers through a transit tube or the like comprising an electrically operable switch, means for'closing the same on the despatch of a. carrier, a holding circuit for the switch, an electrically-operated means. controlling the energization thereof, a circuit for said last-mentioned means including a switch arranged to close on the delivery of a carrier and a circuit closer operated by timed mechanism havinga controlling circuit completed by said electrically operated switch first mentioned and including a connection traversed by a. carrier;

4. Means for governing an electric mechanism in con unct1on with the dsspatch of carriers through a transittube or the like comprising a switch, electro-magnetic means to hold the same closed, means to energize the same on despatch of carrier, a circuit the completion of which effects deenergization of said electro-magnetic means, a con necting device in the circuit, a timed electric closing means therefor, a second con necting device in the circuit arranged for momentary closure by a carrier in passage, a circuit for operating said closing means controlled by said switch and a connection therein -momentarily broken by'said energizing means aforesaid whereby to set the timed closing means. i

5. Means for governing anelectric mechanism in conjunction with the despatch of: carriers through a transittube or the like comprising a switch, electro-magnetic means to hold the same closed, means to energize the same on despatch of a carrier, a circuit closer through which the energization of said means is maintained, an electrically moved device to open the circuit closer and deenergize said electro-magnetic means, a connection arranged for momentary closure by a carrier in passage to set said electrically moved device in operation, a timing retarder therefor and means for resetting said device on despatch of a carrier.

6. Means for governing an electric mechanism in conjunction with the despatch of carriers through a transit tube or the like comprising a circuit closer controlling the energization of the mechanism, timed moving device for opening the same, means for starting the device including a switch arranged to close on the delivery of a carrier and means to reset the device on despatch of a carrier.

7. Means for governing an electric mechanism in conjunction with the despatch of carriers, through a transit tube or the like comprising an electrically operable switch, means for closing the same on the despatch of a carrier, a holding circuit therefor, a circuit closer in said holding circuit, means to open the same, a timed moving means for the opening means and means or sett ng the moving means in operation comprising an operating circuit which is momentarily broken by the action of the closing means aforesaid and which includes a switch adjacent the delivery end of the tube 8. Means for governing an electric mechanism in conjunction with the despatch' of carriers through a transit tube or the like comprising a circuit closer controlling the energization thereof, a member for opening the same, an electric coil for moving said member, a dash pot for retarding such movement having a relief valve permitting free initial movement, a connecting device held open by said member and arranged to seat after such initial movement, means to energize said coil comprising a switch operated by passage of a carrier in the tube and a cir-' cuit continuing the energization thereof leading through said connecting means.

9. Means for governing an electric mechanism in conjunction with the despatch of carriers through a transit tube or the'like comprising a circuit closer controlling the energization thereof, a member for opening the same, an elec ric coil for moving said member, a connecting device held open by said; member and arranged to seat at an in termediate phase of the movement or said member under the action of said coil, retarding means for the member effective after the seating of said device, means to energize said coil comprising a switch operated by passage of a carrier in the tube, and a circuit continuing the energization thereof leading through said connecting means.

10. Means for governing an electric mechanism in conjunction with the despatch of carriers through transit tubes or the like of dififerent lengths comprising a circuit controlling the energization of the mechanism, means for opening the controlling cir cuit having an operating circuit including a switch at the delivery end of a long tube and a timed circuit-closing device adapted to be reset on each despatch of a carrier through said long tube, other means for opening the controlling circuit including a timed device, means for setting the same in operation on delivery of a carrier from a short tube and an operating circuit therefor arranged to be broken on the despatch of a carrier through either tube.

11. Means for governing an electric mechanism in conjunction with the despatch of carriers through transit tubes or the like of difierent lengths comprising a circuit controlling the energization of the mechanism, means for completing the same on the despatch of a carrier, cooperating and comple mentary timing and carrier controlled devices in conjunction with a long tube for opening the controlling circuit, a timing device set in operation by the passage of a carrier in a short tube for opening the controlling circuit and means effective on in troduction of a carrier in the long tube to stop the operation of said second mentioned timing device.

12. Means for governing an electric mechanism in conjunction with the despatch of carriers through. transit tubes or the like of different lengths comprising a circuit controlling the energization of the mechanism, means for completing the same on the des patch of mentary timing and carrier controlled devices in conjunction with a long tube for opening the controlling circuit, a timing device set in operation by the passage of carrier in a short tube for opening the controlling circuit and means effective on a carrier, cooperating and comple-' introduction of a carrier in either tube to:

setback said second mentioned timing device. p r r 13. Means forgoverning an electric mechanism in conjunction With the despatch of carriers through transit tubes 01 the like of different lengths comprising an electrically operable switch, means for closing the same on despatchoi a carrier, a holding circuit therefor, means for breaking said holding circuit having an operating circuit. including i a switch at the delivery end of a long tube and a circuit closing device controlled by a timed device ha'ving'an energizing circuit controlled by said switch, other means-for breaking said holding circuit including a timed device, an energizing circuit for setting the same in operation on the delivery of a carrier from a short tube, a connection common to the energizing circuits of sald timed devices arranged to be opened on establishing the action of said device comprisingtiming mechanism havingits operation initiated by the despatch of a carrier in a long tube and other means for disestablishing the action of said device comprising a timing mechanism having its operation initiated-Vby the approach of a carrier to delivery in a short tube.

V 15,. Means for governing an electric mechanism in conjunction with the despatch of carriers through transit tubes or the like of different lengths comprising a controlling device Jplaced;.-in action on each despatch or a carrier in either tube,vand means'for disestablishing the action of said 'device comprising timingmechanism having its operation initiated by the despatch ofa carrier in a long tube and other means comprising a timing mechanism having its operation initiated by the approach of a carrier to delivery in a short tube, and means whereby initiation of operation of said first mechanism discontinues' the operation of the second. V 'i In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

' JAMES or. MACLAR-EN. 

